Information about Amphetamines

Amphetamine (speed, whizz, dexies) is a type of stimulant. There are many different types of amphetamine, such as amphetamine sulphate, dexedrine and dexamphetamine. These all have similar effects. Amphetamine comes in a white powder which is ‘bombed’ (wrapped in paper and swallowed), snorted, rubbed into the gums or in pill form. It can also be injected. Amphetamine is a Class B drug, except when it is injected or prepared for injection, when it becomes Class A. For more information about classifications and sentencing, click here.

Effects: People use amphetamines to feel more alert and energetic and to be able to stay awake for a long time. They also make you very excitable and more talkative. Amphetamines increase heart rate and blood pressure. They suppress appetite (stop you feeling hungry) and are sometimes used for weight loss. The effects start after about half an hour (or less if injected) and last up to six hours. The ‘high’ is usually followed by an unpleasant ‘comedown’ where you feel very tired, depressed, hungry and ‘washed-out’.

Risks: The strain amphetamines put on the heart can be very dangerous: heavy or regular use can cause high blood pressure, irregular heart beats and even heart attacks and strokes. Sudden death is more likely if amphetamine is combined with alcohol or antidepressants. Amphetamines also damage small blood vessels in the eye and can cause vision problems. They prevent the immune system from working properly and make you more likely to get colds and other infections. Amphetamines are highly addictive. Some people take amphetamines constantly over several days. This can cause paranoia, hallucinations, mood swings, aggression and acting very irrationally. In severe cases this is called ‘amphetamine psychosis’, which normally disappears when the drug wears off but can develop into severe mental illness.

Injecting amphetamines, as with any substance, is more risky because injecting sites can become infected and sharing injecting equipment can expose you to blood borne viruses.

‘Crystal Meth’ (methamphetamine or methylamphetamine) is a stronger, more dangerous and more addictive form of speed which normally comes in larger crystals.

Minimising the risks: The less amphetamine you take the less damaging it will be to your health. If you use amphetamines the best thing you can do is cut down the amount you use or how often you use it, or if you can, stop altogether. Avoid injecting any drug, or if you do, never share injecting equipment (clean needles, syringes and other kit can be picked up for free at Needle Exchanges – at Bolton Drug Service and some pharmacies). Avoid sharing tubes and notes etc for snorting as blood borne viruses like Hepatitis can also be spread this way. For more information about avoiding blood borne viruses, click here.